Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Johnson.
Anthony, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’m originally from a small city Rochester, NY. It’s in upstate New York. In short, I grew up in the inner city and at the age of 13, I found myself becoming a product of my environment and began going down the wrong path. At the age of 15, I was on the verge of being placed into a juvenile center and my mother passed away unexpectedly two weeks after my birthday and two weeks before my court date. I was sent to a few juvenile facilities and group homes, my behavior got worse after I had lost my mother. I had nowhere to go, essentially I was trapped into the juvenile system of New York state. The group home that I was in was moved to the suburbs and I experienced a different lifestyle which opened my eyes. It helped me realize that there was a better way of living and I needed to make changes in my life. When I turned 18 I was released and on my own. I had to learn life the hard way. I wasn’t prepared to be independent. I didn’t have a support system or knowledge on how to prepare for life. I crashed my car, was evicted and homeless for while. I dropped out of school because it was difficult balancing school and two jobs. Finally I was able to bounce back and returned to school.
I was first introduced to real estate during my time in the group home. There was a real estate book that I read to pass the time and I became fascinated with the industry. I later met a real estate broker and property investor, he showed me his office and some of the projects he was working on. After that, I knew that I wanted to become a realtor and property investor. I visited Miami a couple times and I loved the city’s energy. I saw the growth that was and is still currently happening between the visits. I wanted to be a part of it. So instead of pursuing my Bachelors degree, I decided to pack up everything I could fit into my car and took a chance without a job lined up and moved to Miami. After years of working and being distracted from my original goal of being a realtor, I refocused and received my license. I created my brand VLRG Miami. Victoria Lee Realty Group, which is my mother’s name as I’ve always wanted to honor her name. I’ve been on a marathon ever since!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Not easy at all! I’ve always had my back against the wall, but if it was easy then my dream wouldn’t be big enough! Being a realtor in Miami is tough. It’s especially difficult if you don’t have the prior relationships or networking in place. And if you don’t speak Spanish, but I’m working on it. I enjoy the challenges and I’ve always dreamed of making an impact. I know it will happen! Starting out was tough, but I’ve been able to learn a lot about Miami real estate. But it has made me the professional I am today, as well showing me the importance of creating a brand and how essential it is to become a marketing real estate professional. To this day, I’m still facing a lot of obstacles but I believe my past has equipped me to prevail in the worst times. I think people who have started from nothing have an advantage, there is only one direction to go and that’s up! Besides, it makes for a more interesting book!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with VLRG Miami – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Now it seems that everyone has their real estate license in Miami. However, that doesn’t mean they are a real estate professional. And there are even less who brand themselves as a business. My goal is to enhance the home buying, selling and renting experience for my clients. I take my client’s needs very seriously. I utilize technology to make transactions seamless and efficient. When interacting with clients, I use my app to bring transactions to a digital roundtable for all parties involved. And I’m great with digital marketing to get homes more exposure for selling. My broker Keller Williams, is rolling out amazing technology to help enhance the experience and make it an enjoyable one! I take my career seriously. I have a lot to prove to myself. But more importantly, I keep open communication with my clients and put their needs first.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I will run a successful real estate sales business and become a property investor. I want to go back to my home town and buy properties to invest in. My biggest goal is to start a program in that area for inner city kids, who are stuck in their circumstances. Like myself at that age. I want to take those kids out of the environment they are in and help show them there is something else. I want to help them find out what they want to be and who they really are, the capabilities that they have. I will become the man that I have the potential to be, the biggest change will be to get out of my comfort zone.
Contact Info:
- Website: allioo.com
- Phone: 305-215-4151
- Email: anthony.j@kw.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/antjj
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Image Credit:
Marvel Bishop, Asa Sealy
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